verb
bode
bohd
Bode (verb) means to be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend. Example: “The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic.”
verb
1
To be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend.
"The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic."
"Her silence didn't bode well for the meeting."
How to use bode
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be a warning sign of what's likely to happen next.
Common mistake
Almost always used in the fixed phrases "bode well" or "bode ill" — rarely used alone.
Common pairings
bode well
bode ill
does not bode well
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Word forms
- Plural
- bodes
- Third person singular
- bodes
- Past tense
- boded
- Archaic forms
- bodest, bodedst, bodeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dark clouds _____ ill for tomorrow's picnic.
Etymology
From Old English bodian, "to announce or foretell," related to the word bid.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bode
See all rhymes for bode →Frequently asked questions
What does “bode” mean?
The word “bode” means to be a sign that something (usually bad) will happen; to portend. In plain terms, to be a warning sign of what's likely to happen next.
How do you pronounce “bode”?
“Bode” is pronounced bohd (/boʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “bode” in a sentence?
Here is “bode” used in a sentence: “The dark clouds bode ill for tomorrow's picnic.”
What part of speech is “bode”?
“Bode” is a verb.
Where does the word “bode” come from?
The word “bode” comes from Old English. From Old English bodian, "to announce or foretell," related to the word bid.
